Miami Scholars Class of 2013

Jamie L. Webner

Jamie Webner graduated from Tulane University in 2006 with a degree in Finance. Her
Jamie Webner is pursuing a legal degree to fight economic inequality in America. Her awareness of the difficulties faced by many communities began while attending Tulane University in the years after Hurricane Katrina. She began to realize how vulnerable the residents were, as many lacked basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. In its aftermath, Jamie was active in Franklin Templeton Investments, an organization designed to build internal community awareness by using philanthropic efforts. Committed to furthering social justice issues, Jamie is dedicated to utilizing her legal expertise to serve those most in need of assistance.

Patricia Robinson

Patricia Robinson graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Zoology from the Ohio State University and completed her Master's in Public Administration and Finance at the Keller Graduate School of Management in Miami. Patricia also worked at the Marine Mammal Conservancy attempting to rescue and rehabilitate stranded marine mammals. Patricia was inspired to go to law school after attending a marine mammal law class, and she has continued to work towards preservation of the natural environment and marine mammals. After law school, Patricia will work with the Office of the General Counsel for the Navy.

Megan Britt

Megan Britt has a deep-seeded desire to impact lives. As an undergraduate student at Duke University, Megan was a member of the Duke International Justice Mission as well as Amnesty International, both organizations working to limit human rights violations on a global level. She has participated in numerous mission trips to Mexico and a very significant 10 day trip to Honduras working with Heffer International. She later studied abroad for a year in Costa Rica where she worked with Nicaraguan immigrants to further their education and knowledge of the Bible. Upon graduation, Megan returned to Costa Rica to continue her work with immigrants as well as work with elementary aged student at La Escuela Japonesa de Heredia teaching English. She hopes that throughout law school she continues to be given opportunities to reach out not only to the community around her but the global community as well. Megan hopes to develop her global interests and pursue a line of work consistent with her beliefs and desires for change.

Misbah Farid

As an undergraduate student at University of Miami, Misbah immersed herself in various public interest programs at Miami Law. She was a member of the Programming Committee on the Public Interest Leadership Board and a Project Leader of the HOPE Public Interest Lecture Series. Misbah has served as a HOPE Day of Service Site Leader and a member of the HOPE Auction Committee. She was also an intern for the Center for Ethics and Public Service Joint Program on Law, Public Policy and Ethics. Misbah has been passionate about public interest law since her time as an undergraduate and has continued her dedication to public service as a law student.

Rayni Rabinovitz

As an undergraduate student at Duke University, Rayni served as the Vice President of the Duke Autism Foundation and interned at the National Center for Learning Disabilities. She soon realized that she wanted to pursue a legal career focused on disability law. In the summer following her graduation, Rayni got a glimpse into the realm of special needs child advocacy by working with a special education attorney. Rayni was responsible for attending and recording all Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings where parents, attorneys, teachers, and therapists assess the students' educational goals and needs. While each case she reviewed was different, most, unfortunately, shortchanged the children. This experience focused Rayni's passion into pursuing a career in the disability law field.

Elsie Morales

Elsie Morales is a second year student at the University of Miami School of Law. As an Elsie's awareness for the need of public advocacy came at a young age through the stories her parents told her about their exile from Cuba. As an undergraduate, Elsie chose to explore the human rights abuses and unstable political conditions that cause such an exodus like the one her family had to endure. Through her studies, she gained consciousness for the importance of public interest and became an advocate for those who suffer injustice internationally and domestically. Elsie has implemented new initiatives to help serve the Hispanic/Latino population in Sarasota, Florida, including free SAT preparation course in partnership with YMCA Hispanic Achievers, cultural sensitivity trainings, and a comprehensive bilingual social services resource guide for Spanish speakers. Elsie has spent her time in law school as an advocate for public interest work.

Alissa Gold

After her undergraduate career at Wellesley College, Alissa worked for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida, where she conducted her first thorough examination of drug policy in the United States and abroad. At the ACLU, Alissa was shocked to discover that remnants of racism were still prevalent in the legal system. Alissa has spent her time at Miami Law striving to be a voice for those in need. She believes that becoming a lawyer is a privilege, both educationally and economically, and with this privilege comes the responsibility to help other people.

Meghan Paraschak

Meghan Paraschak graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelors degree in English, Sociology and Criminal Justice. After graduating, Meghan joined Teach for America Corp. Being part of this organization was the most influential factor in Meghan's decision to pursue a career in public interest. Teaching twelfth grade English for a year and a half showed Meghan the many obstacles that students in low-income communities face. Thus, she has spent her time at Miami Law focused on public interest opportunities. Megan hopes to one day play a critical role in reforming the education system.

Kathryn Walker

While at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kathryn worked with Residential Services, Inc., a non-profit entity that runs group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities. In 2007, she became a Direct Support Professional, responsible for direct physical care and daily education of the center's clients. Then as Direct Support Coordinator, Kathryn managed medication administration and supervised the general welfare of all members. Through her work at Residential Services, Inc., Kathryn found her passion for engaging in advocacy work on behalf of those with limited access to care or those who are undervalued and misrepresented in society. As a result, Kathryn is pursuing a joint degree in Law and Public Health.

Daniel P. Hanlon

Daniel graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Miami and has always been interested in public advocacy. He first perused a career in public service through his work at the Office of the Mayor. There, Daniel saw the impact that government can have on the community. He observed that lawyers and other legal professionals are at the forefront of government initiatives, and he then realized his desire in pursuing a legal career to help effectuate change not only in his community, but in a larger national forum as well. Working for the Republican National Committee in Washington D.C. also exposed Daniel to the role of advocates in moving agendas. Daniel has used his experiences to focus on public interest law and is eager to use his legal skills to serve his community.